Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones put a stop to speculation that head coach Jason Garrett is coaching for his job over the final six games of the season. At least for now.
Jones told reporters at practice Thursday that Garrett will return in 2014.
The Cowboys are 5-5 and in danger of missing the playoffs despite a weak NFC East this season. However, Jones said Garrett's job is not on the line.
"It's not that for Jason," Jones said in comments published by The Dallas Morning News. "I'm disappointed we don't have a better record, but he has got us in position to win the division and got a team here I firmly believe has the ability to be one of the better playing teams at the end."
Garrett is in his third full season as head coach and has yet to lead the Cowboys to the playoffs.
The Cowboys were 5-3 in 2010 when Garrett took over at mid-season for the fired Wade Phillips. Since then the Cowboys have recorded back-to-back 8-8 seasons.
"We're positioned to get in the playoffs," Jones said. "We see logically how to get in the playoffs. We have that for all practical purposes in our control. Now, that's a pretty good spot to be in after 10 games.
"A lot of this story is to be played out. It does not have a bearing on whether or not he [Garrett] will be our coach next year. It has no bearing on that."
Of course, like any owner, Jones reserves the right to change his mind, as so often happens after a vote of confidence.
Jones was asked again, more pointedly, if Garrett were returning in 2014.
"Yes," Jones said, then repeated for emphasis. "Yes."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
